Russia win record gold medals at Universiade

27th Universiade students Games

Kazan (Russia) - With four more matchdays remaining, hosts Russia has already set a new record of winning the most gold medals at a single Universiade.

After the conclusion of 40 finals contested Friday, Russia has totalled 88 gold medals to break the previous Universiade record of 75 set by China two years ago in Shenzhen, reports Xinhua.

Unlike most of the countries which sent university athletes to the Universiade, Russia fielded a strong delegation. The Russian delegation includes 25 Olympic champions, 50 Olympic medallists and more than 100 world class athletes.

China overtook South Korea to be placed third on the medal table with 13 gold, 17 silver and 11 bronze medals. Japan ranks second with seven more bronze medals than China.

China won three more gold medals from diving Friday while their paddlers added one to the tally after beating Japan 3-0 in the men’s table tennis team event final.

Chinese men’s football team, which failed to qualify from the group with two draws and one defeat, finally scored their first victory as they came from one goal down to beat Brazil 4-1.

The Chinese team, consisting of pure university athletes, played to a 0-0, 2-2 draws with Mexico and Ireland, respectively, before losing to Russia 0-2.

The shooting tournament opened with six gold medals on offer. Chinese sharpshooters, led by Olympic bronze medallist Yu Dan and World Cup title holder Li Peijing, failed to win a single title due to minor errors.

Half of Friday’s six shooting golds were taken by Russia while Germany, Italy and Australia each won one. China finished the day with one silver and four bronze medals.

Saturday will feature 17 finals in shooting, swimming, table tennis, beach volleyball and wrestling.